| Category | CDL-B Straight Truck | Non-CDL Straight Truck |
|---|---|---|
| License Requirements | CDL-B | Regular Driver’s License |
| Truck GVWR | 26,001–33,000 lbs | Under 26,000 lbs |
| Typical Truck Size | 24–26 ft (with sleeper, diesel) | 22–26 ft (no sleeper, gas/diesel) |
| ELD Required? | Usually yes | Often exempt |
🧾 Startup Budget (Leasing Onto a Carrier)
| Item | CDL-B Owner-Op | Non-CDL Owner-Op |
|---|---|---|
| Used Truck Purchase | $45,000 – $80,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| DOT Physical/Med Card | $100 | Optional but smart ($100) |
| Business Registration/LLC | $150 – $300 | $150 – $300 |
| Insurance Down Payment | $3,000 – $5,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Tools/Security (straps, locks) | $200 – $400 | $200 – $400 |
| Fuel Float/Startup Cash | $2,000 – $4,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Carrier Onboarding Fees | $250 – $500 | $100 – $400 |
| Misc (hotel, maintenance fund) | $1,000 – $2,000 | $500 – $1,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED STARTUP | ✅ $51K – $92K | ✅ $23K – $47K |
💰 Weekly Income & Operating Costs
| Category | CDL-B Owner-Op (Solo) | Non-CDL Owner-Op (Solo) |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Gross Revenue/Week | $2,000 – $3,800 | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Fuel (diesel or gas) | $600 – $1,200 | $300 – $600 |
| Insurance (weekly) | $250 – $400 | $150 – $300 |
| Maintenance (avg weekly) | $150 – $300 | $100 – $250 |
| Other Costs (tolls, meals) | $100 – $200 | $75 – $150 |
| Net Profit Range (solo) | ✅ $800 – $1,700 | ✅ $400 – $1,200 |
🔁 Team drivers (especially CDL-B) can gross $4,000–$7,000/week and double profits—teams are favored by expediting carriers.
📈 Annualized Income (Solo Operator)
| Metric | CDL-B | Non-CDL |
|---|---|---|
| Low-End Net Annual | ~$40,000 | ~$20,000–$25,000 |
| High-End Net Annual | ~$85,000 | ~$60,000 |
| Break-Even Point | 6–9 months | 4–6 months |
🧠 Summary: Which Is Better?
| Category | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Easiest to Start | ✅ Non-CDL |
| Highest Income Potential | ✅ CDL-B (especially as a team) |
| Best for Part-Time or Side Hustle | ✅ Non-CDL |
| Best for Full-Time Career Growth | ✅ CDL-B |
| Lower Operating Risk | ✅ Non-CDL |
| More Load Access | ✅ CDL-B |
Final notes
There is no one best for everyone. Just as there is no one best car company or model of car with in any one company, personal wants, needs, desires, plans and just where you are in life changes everything. If you are young and just starting out, a path could be a non-CDL straight truck until you can earn enough money and experience to move to a Class B CDL straight truck. Followed by switching to either a CDL Class A “18 wheeler” or a CDL Class A Hotshot with a 1-ton or 2 ton pickup.
Comments